Constipation is common with the use of pain medication. This can be avoided by increasing both dietary fiber and water intake. One tablespoon of milk of magnesia is effective and can be taken once or twice daily.

Activity: Rest today. Keep operative arm in a sling as directed.

If you receive nerve block, keep your arm protected while numb.

Dressings: Keep dressings clean and dry for 3 days after surgery. You may then remove the dressing, apply waterproof bandages, and shower. After showering, replace the waterproof bandages with dry ones. No soaking in a bath, pool, or hot tub.

Ice:

Apply an ice pack to the shoulder to minimize pain and swelling.

Use Cryo/Cuff® if prescribed) as directed (see attached instruction sheet).

Office Appointment: If you do not already have a post-op appointment with your surgeon, please call our office to make one.

Call your surgeon at (415) 492-1600 if

You develop a fever above 101 degrees.

The pain is severe and unrelieved with medication.

You have any questions or problems.

Anesthesia:

The subtle effects of general anesthesia or sedation with regional/local anesthesia can last more than 24 hours. Rest on the day of surgery. Although you may feel normal, your reflexes and mental ability may be impaired. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or sleep for 24 hours or longer. Do not consume alcohol, drive, operate machinery, or make important personal or business decisions for 24 hours. After a general anesthetic, it is normal to feel generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 hours. A sore throat may occur.

Shoulder Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Post-Op FAQ

How often and how long should I wear my sling?

The sling is for your protection after the surgery. People vary on how long they need to wear it. We recommend wearing it all the time for 4–6 weeks post op, including while sleeping. You may remove the sling for bathing, home exercise, and physical therapy.

How much ice and for how long?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question.

Ice simply helps with the swelling and can help to decrease pain after surgery. For the first few days after surgery, our advice is “the more, the better.” We recommend icing for approximately 30 minutes 3–5 times per day.

Will the ice penetrate through the dressing?

Yes, it will. It might not feel like it, but it does.

Will the moisture from the ice get my incisions wet?

No. The dressing is thick and will protect your incision.

What should I do if my dressing falls off?

Don’t worry; due to the shape of our shoulders/arms, this does happen. You may want to simply try to pull it back into place and reinforce it with tape. Try to keep the original dressing on for the first 3 days post-op. If necessary, you may remove the dressing and place large band-aids over the incisions or cover the incisions with gauze tape. Please wash your hands before replacing your dressing. Do not mess with the incisions.

When can I shower?

You will need to cover the dressing to keep it dry while showering the first 3 days after surgery. We suggest covering the shoulder with plastic wrap above and below the dressing and taping it in place. You may remove the dressing and shower normally 3 days after surgery allowing your incisions to get wet.

Once again, there is no correct answer. We suggest taking it easy the day of surgery. Expect to be groggy and tired due to the anesthesia and medications given during the procedure. Take it easy for the first couple of days after surgery and progress your activities as tolerated.

Should I stay in bed?

No! Besides for the first day/night after surgery, staying in bed usually causes more problems. While at home, it is usually better to sit upright in a chair/bed (when you are not resting/sleeping). We encourage you to walk as you are able.

When do I need to see my doctor in the office?

A post-op appointment has been made for you in advance. An appointment card is in your surgical packet. If you need to change your appointment, call the office. We try to make most appointments productive, thus your first appointment might not be for a week or so allow you to heal before seeing us post-op. We have an open-door policy; that is, if you have any concerns or problems before your first appointment, just call the office, and we will assist you.

When can I start physical therapy?

Your physical therapy prescription will be provided at your first post-op visit. If you need it sooner, please call your surgeon.

When can I drive?

While you are on pain medication during the day, do not drive. You may drive when you feel it is safe. Limit your driving until you have normal use of your shoulder.

When can I return to work?

It depends on the type of job you have. If you do mainly desk work or sedentary work, you may return when you feel up to it. Most people return within 3–5 days. If you have a physical/labor-intensive job, then expect to take several weeks off. We will discuss your return to work as you progress postoperatively.

Remember that you will have little aches and pains in different parts of your body after surgery.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the office. If you have an emergency after hours or on the weekend, follow the instructions on the answering service to leave a message. We will call you back as soon as possible.

If you have any serious medical problems and start having difficulty breathing, chest pain, etc., please call your primary care doctor, present to a local emergency room, or call 9-1-1.

To request a consultation and learn more about how we can help improve your quality of life, please request an appointment now.

To learn more about how we can help improve your quality of life, please request an appointment now.